Somerset's Strawberry Line Named Britain's Favourite Walking Path
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Former Railway Line Named Britain's Favourite Path
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Figure caption: By Bea Swallow West of England
Published 27 August 2026
An abandoned railway line which volunteers transformed into a much-loved walking and cycling route has been named Britain's favourite path by walking charity The Ramblers.
The Strawberry Line path which runs through Somerset, was crowned this year's winner by The Ramblers following a month-long public vote.
The Strawberry Line earned its nickname because it transported massive quantities of locally grown strawberries from the Mendip Hills to market until the late 1960s.
Local volunteers have since helped transform the track into a 20+ mile long path for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, and mobility scooters, with some sections also open to equestrians.
Now in its third year, the annual competition was launched by The Ramblers charity to celebrate the importance, beauty, and diversity of the nation's paths.
The "stunning" route was nominated by Amanda Jane Baldwin, who said she has trodden the path "more times than I can count" since moving to Winscombe seven years ago.
"It's accessible in all weathers, it goes on for miles, it's an absolute pleasure to walk on, it's beautiful, and I appreciate the nature all around me whilst on the path. It's also maintained by volunteers, which makes it all the more precious."
The runner-up was the Buttermere Circular Path in the Lake District, followed by the tidal Holy Island Causeway off the coast of Northumberland.
Rachel Mulrenan, Ramblers' campaigns manager, highlighted the importance of local paths:
"Right now, we need these things more than ever. But across Britain, millions are cut off from nature because local paths are missing, blocked, or unusable. The Strawberry Line Path is a fantastic example of how local communities can benefit from paths being opened up and expanded."
Since 2015, Ramblers has received over £26 million in funding raised by Postcode Lottery players, which has helped protect and champion Britain's paths and green spaces.
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